Recommended Paradors- North
 

Any opinions on which Paradors are 'the best' in the northern half of Spain. Considering lodging and local scenery options to spend about 5 spectacular days in the area. A June time-frame. thanks for your thoughts....

The paradors in Leon and Santiago de Compostella are considered among the jewels of the parador system.

I can testify from personal experience that the one in Leon is spectacular; I don't know the one in Santiago de Compostella.

I visited Fuente De (Three star - Asturias/Cantabria) and Santillana Gil Mar (Four Star - Cantabria) two weeks ago.

The first is simple, but the setting, in the middle of the Picos de Europa, is divine. The second, slightly more upscale, is located in the town square in the beautiful medieval town of Santillana (considered one of the loveliest towns in Spain). Neither is luxurious, but the settings are :)

regards Ger

thank you both, that is exactly the type of answers I was seeking.

How much do they cost roughly?? My friend living in Spain said they were expensive.
We are family of 4 adults.

The prices of the various paradors differ, depending chiefly on quality of services offered and location. The more popular paradors -- Granada, Leon, Santiago de Compostella -- are quite expensive and must be booked well in advance. Paradors in smaller, less well-known towns -- Zamora, for example -- are far less expensive. The parador system also has a number of offers that reduce the price somewhat, for example, if one books a certain number of nights per parador or within a certain period.

The Web site is:

www.parador.es/

oops thanks Eloise-I just found site and prices. Got back In haste before any nasties comment.

Please also consider their 5 star parador at Cangas de Onis. So special! I ahve been in the paradores in Santiago and Leon and they are spectacular but the one in Cangas is much more intimate and near the beautiful Picos de Europa. They gave me room #113 in the old part of the parador, overlooking the river Sella , with beautiful canopy bed and great bathroom. Highly recommend it.

Hello All,

My husband became enamoured with Paradors after we attended a seminar by the Spanish Tourist office (those glossy 8 x 10 pictures will get you every time!)

I believe we stayed in 8 altogether on our 3 weeks in Spain and my favorite was Hondaribbia.

Regards,

Melodie

The Parador iof Baiona , not very far from Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful 4 stars. Built inside Middle Age walls it is
located in a small peninsula . The view from the rooms big floor to ceiling windows of the ocean ( mostly big waves braking on the rocks) is worth a visit.
The setting is absolutly fantastic. The Parador itself is not old, it is a new building. You must reserve a rooms with ocean view which cost a few more euros.

In May 2004 we stayed in paradors at Santiago De Compostela, Baiona, Cangas de Onis & Santilla Gil Blas. Santiago was the most luxurious & grand but also the most expensive. Baiona & Cangas were the ones we enjoyed the most as they offered better value & Baiona in particular is set in a spectacular setting. We paid extra for an ocean view & it was well worth it. Santillana Gil Blas was nothing special in my opinion & quite expensive. In fact, we were disappointed in Santillan Del Mar apart from the Altamira caves.

But anyone travelling to Spain should try to experience a stay in a parador. If you are able to take advantage of their special offers, they represent good value.